Kidneys are among the organs in the body that many of us don’t think about until something goes wrong. But with National Kidney Month fast approaching, now is a great time to reflect on kidney health and think about what you can be doing to make improvements. This article will discuss what kidneys do and what changes you can make to boost their wellness.
What are Kidneys and What Do They Do?
Most people have two kidneys. They are fist-sized organs located on either side of the spine level to the bottom of the rib cage.
Each kidney contains up to a million nephrons, units that consist of tiny blood vessels called the glomerulus. When blood enters the glomerulus, it is filtered and the remaining fluid passes along a tubule that the glomerulus is attached to.
Chemicals and water are added to or removed from the filtered fluid according to the body’s needs. The result is urine, which is excreted from the system.
This function filters fluid in and out of the bloodstream and removes waste from our systems. It is essential to life. If kidneys are not well maintained, it can lead to chronic kidney disease which can result in kidney failure.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Kidney Healthy?
There are many steps you can take to keep your kidneys healthy and minimize the risk of disease. Here are some that are recommended.
· See Your Provider Regularly: Regular health checkups will help your doctor catch any issues before they get out of hand.
· Monitor Blood Pressure and Glucose Levels: High blood sugar can damage your kidneys. High blood pressure can constrict and narrow blood vessels damaging major organs including the kidneys. Keep an eye on these vitals and talk to your provider about the best plans for management.
· Avoid NSAIDs: Prolonged or excessive use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage kidneys because they make your body hold on to fluids. Limit your use of them and avoid them completely if you have low kidney function.
· Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight causes your kidneys to work harder. Do your best to maintain a healthy weight for optimal kidney health.
· Reduce Stress: Stress can lead to kidney damage. Stress-relieving exercises will keep your kidneys healthy.
· Get Plenty of Sleep: Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep at night will ensure they are in good shape.
Can Supplements Help?
There are several supplements on the market that can boost kidney health. Professional Botanicals Kidney Support is highly recommended.
Professional Botanicals was established in 1980. Since then, the company has built a reputation for making highly effective natural supplements. Their Kidney Support helps the body detoxify itself of impurities and promotes healthy urinary function. It is made with all-natural products like plantain leaf and hydrangea root.
Your kidneys are so important. National Kidney Month is the time to reflect on what you can be doing to boost their health. How will you be changing your routine to ensure you’re keeping your organs in the best shape possible?